Magnets Raising Voices

Magnetic components enable all kinds of innovation! Last month, bioengineers at UCLA developed a device that shows promising potential to give those without a voice the ability to speak. The implement attaches externally to the necks of people who are unable to speak due to various voice disorders, pathological conditions, or surgeries. With the help of machine-learning, the device can detect and translate specific muscle movements in the larynx into their corresponding, audible speech sounds. And it gets them right nearly 95% of the time!

The device relies on the magnetoelastic effect, whereby magnetic nano particles embedded into flexible materials change their properties as the materials are stretched. These changes are captured as variations that correlate to specific sounds.

Learn more (and give a shout out to magnets!), here: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/speaking-without-vocal-cords-ucla-engineering-wearable-tech

About The Author

Alice Martin

Alice Martin is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Adams Magnetic Products, where she has led strategic planning, brand development, and sales growth through marketing efforts for over 20 years. She also serves as the General Manager for Adams' subsidiary, Dowling Magnets, where she oversees the development and implementation of annual business plans, negotiates contracts with channel partners, and contributes to product design and development. She has successfully developed and evaluated retail product ideas in addition to researching market feasibility.

In addition to her marketing expertise, she also has a strong background in business administration and new business development.